Lämmergeier/ Bearded Vulture. With a near 3m wingspan, this majestic bird is emblematic of the high mountains.  Shy, discreet, last to eat but clever and highly evolved, the Bearded Vulture has many interesting & surprising characteristics, such as plumage painting, that set it apart from the other vulture species and the wider bird world.  We can explain more and give you a high probability of seeing Bearded Vulture.

The Griffon Vultures have a broader, bulkier flying profile compared to the Bearded and are seen generally groups, usually of 4 to 8 but and sometimes up to 25 or more.  Watch out for the occasional Black Vultures in amongst the Griffon groups.

Golden Eagles.  There are some 26 breeding pairs in the Ariege.  An adaptable, formidable bird that is both a hunter and scavenger, a fierce defender of a kill.  

Montagu/Hen Harrier.  On the plains bordering the high peaks, the elegant and agile Montagu harrier is a summer breeder.  In the winter, Hen harriers gather in 'dormitories'.  This winter a dormitory of upto 24 Hen Harriers has been located with 2 or 3 Pallid Harriers present.  Also dormitories of upto 20 Black-winged Kites and Merlins.  Over 1000 red kites also form large winter dormitories.

Black kites are common in the summer. 

Eagle Owl.  Some 60+ pairs in the Haute Garronne/Ariege/Aude departments.

Mediterranean species.  The Bee-eater is a successful breeder and summer resident.  Rollers transit the eastern end of the Ariege-Pyrenees.  Hoopoe breed and a frequently seen in gardens, again in the east.  Grey cuckoos and Bonneli eagles are found at the Mediterranean Aude coastal areas.

Woodland.  There are immense forests in the Pyrenees.  Woodpeckers are found throughout; the Black Woodpecker is often heard and sometimes seen.  Wryneck and Golden Orioles are also heard but frustratingly difficult to see.

Red Backed Shrikes abound in Summer.

Golden Plover, Stone Curlews are seen on the plans in winter.

Alpine Accentors can be found summer & winter.

Blue Rock Thrush nests in the higher, remoter areas.

Gravel pits offer home to ducks and waders.  

Flamingos are found on the salt flats adjacent to the Mediterranean.

What we offer: 

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS OF THE PYRENEES
2 OR 3 DAY GUIDED TRIP TO DISCOVER THE MAIN SPECIES OF THE HIGH MOUNTAINS, FORESTS AND FARMLAND.  PRICE 150 EUROS PER DAY.  COUPLE & GROUP FEES.  FOOD, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT INCLUDED.  AVAILABLE: ALL YEAR


THEMES
ALL YEAR:
RAPTOR ID
BEARDED VULTURE
WINTER:
LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON: LAKES, MARSHES, CRAGS & SEA BIRDS (2 DAYS)  
ARIEGE: BIRDS OF THE PLAINS AND CRAGS.  (1 DAY)
PRICES FROM 400 EUROS PER DAY FOR 2 PERSONS +

TAILOR-MADE
PERSONALISED TRIPS CREATED TO YOUR DEMANDS, TIME & BUDGET.  FROM A HARRIER FIELD TRIP ON THE PLAINS TO HIGH MOUNTAIN REFUGES, WE CAN OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF BIRDING EXPERIENCES COVERING MOST HABITATS.
DURATION: FLEXIBLE. LOCATION: ARIEGE, AUDE, CATALONIA, PAYS BASQUE, ARAGON.
ALL YEAR
PRICE ON APPLICATION/TBA
Pyrenees nature wildlife bee eater birdwatching birder south France
How about a fun weekend on our Raptor ID course? Contact us!
Summary.

The Ariege is a naturalist's paradise. Part wilderness and the rest predominantly land & forests farmed and managed with traditional methods, results in a huge diversity & volume of wildlife.  The European Brown Bear (rarely encountered), the endemic, water-dwelling Pyrenees Desman, the mentioned charismatic Bearded Vulture & yellow-faced Egyptian Vultures, colourful Fire Salamanders, occasional Otters and numerous Bee-eaters are just a few of the fascinating species to be found here.  There is a constant movement of birds, a real 'international hub' of arrivals & departures through the changing seasons.  Spring sees the return of the exotic: Hoopoe & Golden Orioles and later, Rollers.  Autumn is a superhighway of birds seeking the warm African sun.  Winter brings it's own surprises; 250+ Red Kites roosting together, Black-winged Kites and Long-eared Owl groups.  Butterflies teem in the Spring & Summer and are observed well into winter.  Carpets of orchids are found in many pastures.

With our experience and access to local experts, databases, etc we can create for you a programme that gives you a realistic & best chance of observing your target species.  We are available throughout the year with appropriate notice! 

Please contact us.
Many thanks to Jan Eijdenberg (client) for the use of his fantastic pictures. 
​Please visit his website ​www.eijdenberg.nl

Vultures

We have a specific interest in Vultures, observation & conservation.

​Insects & Flowers

Owing to small scale, generally more organic-style farming, insects,  butterflies & wildflowers (orchids in particular) flourish in the Ariege.

Mediterranean

We are in the distribution of many Mediterranean birds, flowers & insects.
Pyrenees 2020